Stroudsburg School District investigates meeting between union, candidates on school property

Stroudsburg school administrators are looking into an unauthorized meeting between the Stroudsburg teachers union and a panel of candidates on school property last month.

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By CHRISTINA TATU

poconorecord.com

By CHRISTINA TATU

Posted Oct. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By CHRISTINA TATU

Posted Oct. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Stroudsburg school administrators are looking into an unauthorized meeting between the Stroudsburg teachers union and a panel of candidates on school property last month.

The meeting occurred Sept. 3, Superintendent John Toleno said, adding that the issue will be discussed with union leaders at a meeting next week.

Sept. 3 was the first day of school for teachers only, and no students were in the building, Toleno said. Teachers typically hold their first union meeting of the year on that day, an event that doesn't require permission, but Toleno was not told that candidates would be meeting with the union.

"The policy is not very specific," he said, when asked if such a meeting would be allowed on school property.

"Until I get all the details, I can't comment. Even if this did become an issue, it isn't something that would be made public anyway because it is considered a personnel issue."

Aaron Chapin, president of the teachers union, did not immediately return a phone call for comment.

School Board President Rodney Baechtold Jr. said it's clear the board's policy — No. 421 — regarding political activities, prohibits school property from being used for political purposes.

"No professional employees shall engage in political activities upon property under the jurisdiction of the board, unless permission has been granted for that purpose through the 'Use of Facilities' policy," it reads.

The policy also prohibits the distribution of political circulars and petitions in school, as well as the distribution of such materials to or by pupils.

Baechtold said it was candidates Rachel Cardelle, Kelli Mercurio, Steven Harper and Deana Susinskas who were invited by the union to the school. Richard Pierce, Bruce Stewart, Cindy Blake, and Brad Strasser are also in the running.

"I think it's definitely wrong," Baechtold said. "It's very selfish conduct to think you can take advantage of the administration and the school board to do as you choose."